Entry to USA

[murphytherot]

Hello, i am travelling to usa on holiday on 22nd December and want to know if i need a visa to enter usa? i am only going to be staying for 8 days. can i get into the usa using the 'visa waiver prog' (called something like that?) also, i heard that my fingerprints will be taken on arrival to usa, is that correct??

[Clanad]

Check here for information:

http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/visa_b2.html

Welcome to the U.S., by the way!

[kempie]

The VWP does not expire until 26th October 2006.

http://www.ukpa.gov.uk/press_160605.asp

[October]

Oh murph, you lucky guy...
You don't need a visa any more but on the flight out you'll be asked to fill in a form (assuming you're a UK citizen) on the visa waiver program. When you arrive in the USA, you have to go through customs. Have your form, passport and return flight info ready. They will take a photo of you and your fingerprints (index fingers only). They will probably ask you why you are there - tell them vacation and when you're returning.
If you've not been to the USA before, I'm sure you'll be amazed at just how friendly everyone is, nothing is too much trouble and if you're off the tourist trail then they will find your accent absolutely fascinating.
As it's a fairly long flight, try to get some kip on the flight and take something to read or listen to. Drink as much water as you can on the flight as the air-con is dehydrating but remember to go to the loo before you get off the plane in case you're held up in customs or baggage claims. You may get cold on the flight but they do usually provide a fleecy blanket. On the flight back, it's really worth trying to get some kip to help stave off the jet lag.
Have a brill holiday.

[dzug]

Kempie, that's partly true, but not the whole story.

the visa waiver program will continue after October 2006, but if you have a new passport after then it will have to be a biometric one to take advantage of it. The UK should be issuing them by then.

[dzug]

As long as you are a UK citizen, have no criminal record, and a machine readable passport you should be OK for a visa waiver.

The fingerprints are inkless by the way.

[kempie]

dzug - the link explains all that.

I find including links saves my poor fingers.

[lady_p_gold]

Hello I go to the States about 4 times a year and my advice would be to be prepared for a long wait when you get there as I have stood in line waiting for those fingerprints etc the longest was about two hours, so it is a good idea to get moving when you get off the plane to be one of the first in line from your flight. They will also ask you what address you are staying at.

[waimarie]

Are you sure you want to go? Is this an essential journey? Have you thought of trying anywhere else? If you still insist on this course, a sense of humour would be most useful.

[welshy22]

dont know about the finger print thing i dont think they did that to me or did they i dont know cant remember we were drunk most the time hehehhe!! You wont need a visa if you are only staying there for 8 days, thats if you are a british citizen. You can stay for up to 3 months in usa visa free if your british i think this also applies to other nationalities look on the american embassy website if your not a british citizen to see if this also applies to you, otherwise dont worry your ok to go visa free.